JPH11224285A - Method and system for contents protection, contents processing system, management system, and record medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a simple and convenient system and method which make it possible to process and edit an image protected by the right to refuse to be copied and collect value when a had copy of it is taken. SOLUTION: On an image processor 3, a record medium 5a stored with a purchased image protected by the right to refuse to be copied and a record medium 5b stood with an image of a user are set, the ciphered purchased image is deciphered, and the images stored on both the media are processed. When a generated image is printed, the ID and link information of the purchased image used for the generation and information showing the style of the processing of the image are stored on the record medium 5b, which is set on an image printer 2 at a DPE store. The image printer 2 informs a management center 1 of the ID and link information of the purchased image and the management center 1 allows its use by charging the DPE store for the use. Based upon permission, the image printer 2 prints the generated image. The management center 1 withdraws the charges for use from the accounts of respective DPE stores, and then totalizes and transfers the charges for the use to the accounts of respective right holders.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a content processing system, a billing system, and the like that can balance the protection and use of content protected by portrait rights, copyrights, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the advance of digital image processing technology,
It is becoming possible to process and edit various contents, for example, image data, and output them as a hard copy by a color printer or the like. However, if the processing, editing, and output of contents are allowed in a chaotic manner, copyright and portrait rights are not protected, and the interests of the right holder are lost. On the other hand, if the use of these contents is restricted too much, the contents will not be used. In addition, regarding personal and hobby use of content that should be protected by copyright and portrait right,
Some recognition is needed.

To meet these requirements, techniques such as digital watermarking have been proposed, but the data processing is complicated, and a complicated system is required. For this reason, it is not a system that can be easily used from the viewpoint of a user who is not familiar with data processing technology.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and enables users to enjoy processing content on a screen, which is protected by various rights such as copyright and portrait right. It is another object of the present invention to provide a simple and convenient system and method that can charge for the use of content when making a hard copy.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, a content protection method according to a first aspect of the present invention generates print target data including a content to be protected by a processing apparatus whose printing is prohibited. The generated print target data is stored in a recording medium, and the print target data stored in the recording medium is printed at a predetermined store on the premise of payment of a predetermined price, and is included in the print target data. Notifying a predetermined center of the content to be protected, the center charges the printing of the content according to the notification, and remits at least a part of the amount obtained by the charging to a right holder of the content, It is characterized in that a fee is charged for printing of the content to be protected and a usage fee is paid to a right holder of the content.

According to this configuration, the image including the content protected by various rights can be processed by the processing device by various methods, but printing cannot be performed. When printing the generated content, the created data is temporarily stored in a recording medium and printed at a predetermined store. At this time, the center is notified that the content is used, and the center charges a usage fee. Therefore, it is possible to charge for the use while allowing the use of the content.

[0007] The content to be protected includes, for example, an image protected by a portrait right or a copyright, and the print target data includes an image generated by processing and / or editing the protected image. , The notification to the center,
Including information specifying the protected image and the number of prints,
The center obtains a usage fee from the notified image and the number of copies, charges the usage fee, tabulates the usage fee for each right holder, and remits to the right holder based on the total value.

[0008] The protected image provided in the processing device may be, for example, encrypted. In this case, the processing device decodes the protected image and processes and / or edits the decoded image to generate the print target data.

In this configuration, for example, a photograph of a celebrity (protected content) protected by a portrait right and a copyright and a photograph of the self are processed, edited, and combined to arbitrarily create a two-shot image. Can be. However, printing of the combined image is charged. At this time, the center charges a fee according to the used image and the number of prints, and remits it to the right holder. Therefore, the usage fee can be reliably collected and the remittance can be sent to the right holder while using the content. The billing amount is, for example,
The printer pays the store including the printing fee, and the center issues a bill to the store. Automatic debit may be used.

[0010] For example, the processing device and the store have substantially the same content, and the processing device includes, on the recording medium, content specifying information for specifying the content and processing indicating processing and / or editing mode. Store information,
The store reads the information specifying the content and the processing information from the recording medium, reproduces the print target data based on the read data, and prints the reproduced data, whereby the recording medium It is possible not to store the content itself. According to this method, since the content itself is not stored in the medium, theft or misuse of the content can be prevented.

[0011] The center may notify the store of printing permission, and the store may print the print target data only when receiving the printing permission notification. According to such a configuration, printing can be performed only after charging at the center has been performed reliably or only when charging is possible, and charging can be performed reliably.

[0012] The center may be operated with its operating profit by using at least a part of the profit from the charging.

A content protection system according to a second aspect of the present invention generates output target data including protected content that requires payment for the output, and stores the generated output target data in a recording medium. Output target data generation means, and content output means for setting the recording medium, reading the output target data from the recording medium, notifying the protected content included in the output target data, and outputting the output target data And charging means for responding to the notification from the content output means and charging for printing of the content.

According to this configuration, similarly to the content protection method described above, the use of the content and the charging for the use can be realized in harmony.

The output target data generating means includes, for example,
It comprises a processing device that can display the protected content but cannot print. With such a configuration,
It is possible to create and output the output target data by editing and processing the protected content, and it is possible to reliably prevent printing that is an illegal output.

The output target data generating means includes, for example,
Content storage means for storing a plurality of protected contents, selection means for selecting an arbitrary one of the protected contents stored in the content storage means, and processing and / or editing of the content selected by the selection means Means. According to this configuration, an arbitrary one of the arbitrary protected images can be selected and processed / edited.

Each of the protected contents stored in the content storage means may be encrypted. In this case, the output target data generation means includes a decryption means for decrypting each of the protected contents. According to this configuration, unauthorized use of the protected content can be prevented.

Each of the protected contents stored in the content storage means is encrypted using, for example, an encryption key associated with each of the protected contents, and the decryption means stores the content in the storage means. Means for decrypting each protected content using the encryption key associated with each protected content stored in the means. According to this configuration, it is necessary to use an encryption key in order to use the protected content, so that the risk of unauthorized use of the protected content can be further reduced.

Each of the protected contents stored in the content storage means is, for example, encrypted by using the encryption key and further encrypted by a predetermined system key. Means for decrypting each protected content stored in the content storage means using the system key, and further decrypting the encrypted content using the encryption key associated with each protected content. According to this configuration, in order to use the protected content, it is necessary to use both the encryption key and the system key, so that the risk of unauthorized use of the protected content can be further reduced.

[0020] The content storage means and the decryption means may be detachably attached to each other. According to this configuration, the protected content is separated from the decryption unit that supplies the encryption key and the system key, so that the content of the protected content is more securely concealed.

The output target data generating means includes, for example,
A non-billing target content storage unit that stores content that is not a charging target, and a unit that combines the protected content and the non-billing target content. According to this configuration, for example, a protected image such as a star bromide can be synthesized and enjoyed with a normal image such as a photograph of the user, and can be output (especially, printed) at a price.

For example, the output target data generating means includes:
Specific information for specifying the protected content and mode information for specifying a mode of processing and / or editing of the protected content are stored in the recording medium, and the protected content itself is stored in the recording medium. do not do. In this case, the output unit may include, for example, a storage unit that stores substantially the same protected content as the protected content stored by the output target data generation unit, and the specific information stored in the storage medium from the storage unit. Based on the aspect information, the protected content is read and processed and / or edited. According to this configuration, since the protected content is not recorded in the recording medium,
Theft of protected image data in the recording medium can be prevented.

[0023] The specifying information includes, for example, address information for specifying a logical position in the storage means where the protected content is stored. In this case, the output unit reads, for example, the protected content stored at the logical position indicated by the address information included in the specific information, from the storage unit, and converts the read protected content into the aspect information. Edit and / or edit based on it.

For example, a recording medium storing substantially the same protected content is detachably attached to the output target data generating means and the output means. According to this configuration, any protected image can be used by exchanging the medium. It is possible to cope with an increase / change of the protection image.

[0025] The content output means includes, for example, means for printing the output target data. A particular problem in the output mode is printing and printing on a positive film or a negative film. According to this configuration, printing can be performed.

The output target data generating means includes, for example,
Means for storing the number of prints of the output target data in the recording medium. In this case, the output unit prints the output target data for the number of prints stored on the recording medium.

An identification code is assigned to the output means, and the output means includes means for notifying the identification code corresponding to the output means to the accounting means. Charge. As a result, the usage fee of the content is collected from the store that sets the output means, the person who owns the output means, and the like. on the other hand,
These stores and the like may include the usage fee in the price received from the content output.

[0028] The billing means may be connected to a computer system of a financial institution via communication, and may include means for withdrawing a value from an account previously associated with the notified identification code. Further, the output means may include means for transmitting electronic money corresponding to a charge to the charge means. With these configurations, it is possible to easily and surely collect the fee.

The charging means receives the electronic money from the output means, and when receiving the electronic money corresponding to the charge, transmits an output permission notification to the output means. The output means transmits the output permission notification to the output permission notification. The output target data may be output in response. With these configurations, it is possible to reliably collect the fee.

[0030] The billing means may include a tallying means for tallying the billing amount for each right holder, and means for paying money to the right holder according to the tallying by the tallying means. With this configuration, the right holder is easily and reliably paid for the right use.

For example, the output target data generating means includes:
Specific information for specifying the protected content and mode information for specifying a mode of processing and / or editing of the protected content are stored in the recording medium, and the protected content itself is stored in the recording medium. The output unit stores the protected content, which is substantially the same as the protected content stored by the output target data generation unit, in an encrypted state, and the charging unit responds to the notification, Means for notifying the decryption key to the means, and the output means reads out the protected content based on the specific information stored in the recording medium using the decryption key, decrypts the protected content with the decryption key, and outputs the decrypted protected content. Edit and / or edit based on the aspect information. With this configuration, plagiarism of the protected content can be prevented. Naturally, other protection means may be arranged.

Further, the content processing system according to a third aspect of the present invention mounts a first recording medium storing content protected by a predetermined right and mounts a second recording medium storing content. Medium mounting means for mounting a third recording medium; first selecting means for selecting an arbitrary first content from the contents stored in the first recording medium; and the second recording A second selection unit for selecting an arbitrary second content from the contents stored in the medium; a first content selected by the first selection unit; and a second content selected by the second selection unit. Synthesizing means for synthesizing the second content, display means for displaying data synthesized by the synthesizing means, print instructing means for instructing printing of the image synthesized by the synthesizing means, and the print instructing means In response to the instruction by the third information, the instruction information indicating the first content, the second content, and the data indicating the mode of combination of the first content and the second content, Recording means for storing in a recording medium, when storing data indicating the content of the synthesized content on the third recording medium for printing by an external printing institution, the data is protected by the predetermined right. The first content itself is not stored in the third recording medium. With this configuration, it is also possible to balance use of content and protection of rights. Further, since the first content is not stored in the recording medium, theft of the content can be prevented.

[0033] The medium mounting means may include means for removably mounting at least one of the first, second and third recording media.

The content processing system includes means for detecting a print instruction, and means for detecting whether or not the image to be printed includes the content recorded on the first recording medium. In this case, means for prohibiting printing may be provided.

[0035] The content stored in the first recording medium is encrypted, and at least one of the first selecting means and the synthesizing means decrypts the content stored in the first recording medium. May be provided. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the contents stored in the first recording medium from being used illegally.

A program for causing a computer to function as all or a part of the means of the above-described system and causing a computer to execute all or a part of the steps of the above-described method is stored in a computer-readable recording medium and distributed. You may.

[0037]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a content protection system and method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. (First Embodiment) In this embodiment, an image protected by a copyright or a portrait right and an image independently created by a user are allowed to be arbitrarily processed and synthesized. Is a system and method for charging when printing.

FIG. 1 shows a physical configuration of an image synthesizing / charging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the image synthesizing / charging system includes a management center 1, an image printing device 2, an image processing device 3, and a financial institution 4.

The image processing apparatus 3 is composed of a computer or the like which is not provided with a print function (a function of hard-copying an image or the like), such as a game computer, arranged in each home or the like. 32 and the storage unit 3
3 and a recording medium driver 34, and are connected to the display device 35.

The control unit 31 receives an input from the input unit 32 for instructing selection and arrangement of images. Then, in accordance with the instruction input, the purchased image data is stored in the recording medium driver 34.
The user image data is selected and input from the recording medium 5a mounted on the, and user image data is input from the recording medium 5b, arbitrarily processed, edited, and synthesized to generate an arbitrary image and display it on the display device 35. Further, when the printing and the number of the generated images are instructed from the input unit 32, the control unit 31 defines the image identification data of the purchased images constituting the generated images, the arrangement of the purchased images and the user images, and the like. The position data, the rank data, the number of prints, and the like are stored in the image synthesis table, and output to the recording medium 5b attached to the recording medium driver 34.

The input unit 32 includes a keypad, a cross controller, and the like, and outputs the above-mentioned instruction input to the control unit 31 according to an operation of the operator.

The storage unit 33 stores an operation program and functions as a work area when an image is generated.

The recording medium driver 34 has first and second slots in which recording media 5a and 5b composed of a flash memory, a ROM (read only memory) cartridge or the like are removably mounted, and the recording media 5a and 5b. Is read and output to the control unit 31, and the recording medium 5b
The image composition table is recorded in.

The display device 35 is composed of a TV (television device) or the like, and displays instructions to the user, menus, images generated by the user, and the like under the control of the control unit 31.

The management center 1 is located in, for example, a public organization or a third party organization established for this system, and includes a computer 11 and a network access device 12.

The computer 11 is connected to the image printing device 2 and the financial institution 4 via a network access device 12 including a modem, a terminal adapter and the like, and a network NW. The computer 11 includes the image printing device 2
Image identification data and number-of-sheets data, which will be described later, and store identification data are input, and the image printing device 2 is notified of permission for printing. Further, the computer 11 communicates with the financial institution 4, deducts the usage fee of the image (content) from the store, and transfers a predetermined amount of money to an account of a right holder (copyright holder, portrait right holder) or the like.

The image printing apparatus 2 is, for example, a photo shop, a DP
A control unit 21, a network access device 22, a storage unit 23, a printing device 24,
It comprises a recording medium driver 25 and a display unit 26.

The control unit 21 controls the computer 11 of the management center 1 through the network access devices 22 and 12.
It is connected to the. The control unit 21 controls the recording medium driver 2
The above-mentioned image synthesis table is input from the recording medium 5b mounted in the first slot of No. 5. Then, the information contained in the image synthesis table is fetched, an image (protection target content) protected by copyright or the like is read from the recording medium 5c mounted in the second slot, and the original image is read according to the image synthesis table. Recompose and expand to bitmap format. Further, the control unit 21 notifies the computer 11 of the use of the image, and upon receiving the permission notification, causes the printing device 24 to print the restored image.

The storage unit 23 stores an operation program of the control unit 21 and functions as a work area when the control unit 21 regenerates an image. The printing device 24 prints a bitmap image in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 21.

The recording medium driver 25 has first and second slots in which recording media 5b and 5c composed of a flash memory, a ROM (read only memory) cartridge or the like are removably mounted, and reads recorded contents. Control unit 2
Output to 1.

The display unit 26 displays instructions to the operator, an image combining table, billing information, a print image, and the like.

The financial institution 4 comprises, for example, one or a plurality of banks provided with an account management system 41, and transfers money between accounts according to instructions from the computer 11.

Each of the recording media 5a to 5c includes a flash memory, a ROM cartridge, and the like. Recording medium 5
Images a and 5c store images protected by copyright, portrait right, etc., that is, a plurality of substantially identical images that require payment for printing. The image may be encrypted. The recording medium 5b stores an image created by a user using a digital still camera, an image scanner, or the like. Further, the above-described image synthesis table is stored.
The recording medium 5b functions as a "passing medium" for delivering the image synthesis table from the image processing device 3 to the image printing device 2.

Also, this system logically corresponds to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the image printing program 51, the image processing program 52, the image display program 53, the purchase image data 61a and 61b, the user image data 62, the image synthesis table 63, and the bitmap 64. .

The image printing program 51 is a program executed by the control section 21 of the image printing apparatus 2. The image printing program 51 inputs the image synthesizing table 63, notifies the management center 1 of the use of the purchased image data, and , The purchase image data 61b is read out, and the original image (the image generated by the user in the image processing device 3) is regenerated, developed into the bitmap 64 and printed.

The image processing program 52 is a program executed by the control unit 31 of the image processing apparatus 3 and determines an image to be used for processing / editing, determines an image arrangement,
An image synthesizing table 63 that defines the generated image is generated.

The image display program 53 is a program executed by the control unit 31 and the display device 35 of the image processing apparatus 3, and includes an image in the generation process, the image synthesis table 6
Display 3 etc.

The purchase image data 61a and 61b and the user image data 62 are image data used for synthesizing and printing images, and have a data structure according to a predetermined format (for example, JPEG format). The purchase image data 61a and 61b are the same data,
It is protected by copyright and the like, and is stored in the recording media 5a and 5b under the permission and consent of the right holder.

The user image data 62 includes, for example, an image obtained by a user with a digital still camera or a video camera, an image read by an image reader, an image created by the user himself using drawing software of a personal computer, a copyright, etc. , Etc., which are not stored in the storage medium 5b in advance and used by the image processing apparatus 3.

The image synthesizing table 63 is a table for storing data representing a synthesized image to be printed, and includes an image ID 631, image identification data 632, user image data 633, position data 634, and rank data 635.
And the number data 636.

The image ID 631 includes the number and name (image name / file name) of the image generated by the image processing device 3.

The image identification data 632 is data indicating the purchase image data 61b constituting a part of the generated image. The user image data 633 is data of a user image forming a part of the generated image.

The position data 634 and the rank data 635 are data indicating the mode of processing / editing the original image.
Form aspect data.

The position data 634 is used to generate (synthesize) an image.
This is data indicating the position of each image used in the above. The position data 634 includes, for example, a data set (x, y) indicating an amount by which each image is to be moved vertically and horizontally from a print position (initial position) unique to each image (where x represents the image horizontally). The amount to move, y is the amount to move the image vertically).

The rank data 635 is data indicating which image data is to be printed when a plurality of images overlap in the composite image. The rank data 635 includes, for example, a number indicating a higher rank as the number is smaller, with 1 being the highest rank. Then, in a region where a plurality of images overlap on the composite image, the image with the highest rank, that is,
The image associated with the smallest number is printed. Note that an image layer structure may be adopted and synthesized. In this case, the rank data is a layer number.

The position data 634 and the rank data 635 are
For example, as shown in FIG. FIG.
As shown in (a) to (c), images GA, GB, and GC each having a circular shape with a radius of 2 have position data 634 as (0, 0), (2, 0), and ( 1, 1), and as ranking data 635,
# 1, # 2, and # 3 are given. These images G
The result of combining and displaying A, GB, and GC is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. In other words, the images are superimposed on each other with a shift of the amount indicated by the position data 634, and the high-order images are displayed so as to hide the low-order images.

The image synthesizing table 63 does not include the purchase image data 61a itself. Therefore, the purchase image data 61a is not stored in the recording medium 5b.

Next, the operation of the image synthesizing / charging system configured as described above will be described. (Overview) First, an overview of the operation of the entire system will be described. First, the user purchases the recording medium 5a in which the purchase image data 61a including the image of the star bromide, the popular character, and the like is stored in advance and sets it in the first slot of the recording medium driver 34 of the image processing apparatus 3. on the other hand,
User image data 62 composed of image data such as a self-photographed by the user using a digital still camera or the like.
Is stored in the recording medium 5b, and the second
Slot.

Next, by operating the input section 32, the image processing program 52 is started, and an arbitrary one of the purchased images (here, shown in FIG. 4A) is selected. Next, an arbitrary image is selected from the images created by the user (here, an image shown in FIG. 4B is selected).

Subsequently, the positions and overlapping of these images are adjusted and synthesized, and further, an appropriate frame is synthesized,
For example, an image shown in FIG. Display device 3
5 displays a generation process and a generated image.

Even when a favorite image is completed and the user wants to print it, the user cannot directly print the image, but requests a DPE shop or the like where the image printing apparatus 2 is arranged to print.

In this case, the user instructs printing from the input unit 32 and inputs the number of prints. In response to the instruction, the control unit 31 and the image processing program 52 store the image combining table of the image in the recording medium 5b. At this time, the control unit 31 does not store the purchase image data 61a itself in the recording medium 5b.

Next, the user brings the recording medium 5b to a DPE shop or the like provided with the image printing device 2. The clerk of the DPE shop sets the recording medium 5b in the first slot of the recording medium driver 25.

The control unit 21 reads out the image synthesizing table from the set medium, specifies the purchase image data constituting the image to be printed, and specifies the network access device 22, the network NW, and the network access device 1.
2, the purchase image data 61
The ID of “a” and the number of prints are notified.

The computer 11 calculates a fee (copyright fee, portrait right fee, etc.) from the unit price and the number of purchased images, and
Record as the amount charged to the PE shop. Further, information indicating a right to use the image and a fee are notified to the control unit 21 via the network access devices 12 and 22.

Upon receiving the usage right, the control unit 21 reads out the purchase image data 61b from the recording medium 5c, and stores the user image data 62, the position data 634, and the rank data 635.
Are read from the recording medium 5b, the purchase image data 61b and the user image data 62 are combined based on the position data 634 and the rank data 635, and the original image created by the user is restored.

Next, the control section 21 prints the restored image using the printing device 24 by the number indicated by the number data. Further, the printing fee is output to the display unit 26 or the like. This fee is, for example, the total and details of the fee for the copyright or portrait right notified from the management center 1 and the fee of the DPE shop. The clerk at the DPE shop hands the printed image to the user in exchange for payment of the corresponding amount.

The computer 11 accumulates image usage fees for each DPE shop, for example, on a monthly basis, accesses the account management system 41 of the financial institution 4 according to the use notification from each image printing apparatus 2, and accesses the account management system 41 of each DPE shop. Debit the corresponding amount from your account.

On the other hand, the computer 11 tallies the usage fee for each portrait right or copyright holder, for example, on a monthly basis in accordance with the usage notice from each image printing apparatus 2 and
Access the account management system 41, and transfer an amount corresponding to the account of the right holder.

According to this content protection system, a user who has purchased an image can freely edit and edit the image on the screen, and enjoy, for example, creating an image as shown in FIG. . On the other hand, when printing the created image, a fee for using the image is paid through the DPE shop. The paid usage fee is remitted to the right holder via the management center 1.

Therefore, according to this system, it is possible to pay the price to the right holder without fail while sufficiently responding to the user's desire to process and edit the image. Protection can be achieved in harmony.

(Instruction of Image Composition / Print) Next, the operation of the image utilization / charging system will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. When the user wants to synthesize an image using the purchased image, the user inputs a command for instructing the image synthesis processing from the input unit 32 to the control unit 31.

In response to this command, the control section 31 (image processing program 52) starts the processing shown in FIG. 5, and starts the processing for selecting an image to be used for the composition. First, the control unit 31
Is the purchased image data 61 stored in the recording medium 5a.
A list of a (for example, a list of recorded bromide images) is displayed on the display device 35 (step S11).
The user selects an arbitrary image from the displayed bromide list (step S12). The image to select is
More than one is acceptable. Next, a user image to be used for synthesis is displayed and selected (steps S13 and S14).

Next, the user processes, edits and combines the images (steps S15 and S16). That is, the position and the rank of each selected image are adjusted, and an arbitrary image is synthesized. Although only the adjustment of the position and the order is shown as the content of the combination, the image may be processed, edited, and combined using various known methods. For example, each image is processed by changing the size, rotating the image, changing the brightness of the image, and giving the image soft or focus. At this time, for the purchase image, the image data in the storage unit 33 is processed based on the instruction content, and the processing content is registered as a part of the mode data. On the other hand, for the user image, the image is processed based on the instruction. In addition, you may register aspect data also about a user image.

In this way, the user can arbitrarily process and correct on the screen using the purchased image and enjoy it. When the user wants to print the created image, the user instructs registration on the recording medium 5b (step S17). In response to this instruction, the control unit 31 opens a dialog box on the display device 35 and inputs the ID, name, instruction of whether or not to print, the number of prints, etc. of the created image (step S1).
8).

By this operation, the control section 31 generates the image synthesis table 63 based on the input data and the data registered in the storage section 33 (step S1).
9) and store it in the recording medium 5b (step S20). Then, the process returns to the normal processing. FIG. 6 shows an example of the combination table.

(Image Printing) A method of printing data thus synthesized and registered in the recording medium 5b will be described.
First, the user goes to a DPE shop or the like with the recording medium 5b. When the recording medium 5b is set in the recording medium driver 25, the control unit 21 starts the processing shown in FIG.

First, the control section 21 reads the image synthesizing table 63 stored in the recording medium 5b (step S21), and determines the ID and number of purchased images to be printed and their DP.
The store code assigned to the E-shop is transmitted to the management center 1 (step S22). Receiving this notification, the computer 11 of the management center 1 calculates the usage fee from a list of usage fees stored in advance in a list format as shown in FIG. 8 (step S31), and stores the store code and the right holder. The total is calculated for each code (step S32). Thereafter, a fee for use (including the details thereof) and a notice permitting use (use permission notice) are transmitted to the image printing apparatus 2 (step S33).

The control unit 21 receives the usage fee and the permission notice (step S23), reads the purchase image from the recording medium 5c based on the composite data, and further reads out the purchased image from the data stored in the image composite table 63. The original image data created by the user is restored (step S24).

Next, the printing apparatus 24 is controlled to print the restored images by the number of sheets specified in the image synthesizing table 63 (step S25). Next, the control unit 21 displays on the display unit 26 a charge obtained by adding its own fee to the charge notified from the management center 1. Further, when there is a next image to be printed, the same processing is repeated (steps S23 to S26). When there are a plurality of print target images, the notification to the management center 1 may be performed for all the print target images at once (in this case, the process returns from the determination in step S26 to step S24).

The printed image is given to the user in exchange for the price. In this way, the user can print an image created using an image protected by a right such as a copyright on the condition or premise that a usage fee is paid.

The computer 11 of the management center 1 periodically, for example, at the end of the month, based on the total usage fee for each store ID, the total usage fee for each right holder ID, and the like, sends the information to the account management system 41 of the financial institution 4. Access, deduct the corresponding amount from the store account, and transfer the corresponding amount to each right holder's account.

Note that the purchased image may be stored in the storage units 23 and 33 of the image printing device 2 and the image processing device 3 in advance. Further, the purchase image data 61b may be distributed from the management center 1 to the image printing device 2 via the network NW.

The method of payment of the fee from the store to the management center 1 and the form of payment of the fee from the management center 1 to each right holder are not limited to the account transfer, but are arbitrary, and may be so-called electronic money (monetary value). Is also effective. FIG. 9 shows an example of the format of electronic money (transfer record). According to this electronic money, the initial monetary value (the amount at the time of issuance) of the electronic money, the amount of the transmission (some of the amount of the issuance), the remittance destination,
The date of relocation can be determined by the electronic money itself.

The management center 1 may be operated, for example, with a part of the usage fee collected from each store.

In the present invention, the data to be protected is not limited to a portrait of a celebrity such as bromide, but may be protected by any portrait right, or may be image data such as a design or a picture protected by copyright. , Marks protected by trademark rights, and the like. The data that can be used is not limited to image data, but also includes so-called digital contents such as text data and their decoded data.

It is to be noted that there is a risk that a purchase image stored in the recording media 5a, 5c may be misused by a person having some knowledge of data processing. In this case, for example, it is desirable that the recording media 5a and 5c be cartridges of a special shape that are incompatible with each other (for example, similar to cartridges of game devices) and that they have a tamper-free structure. As for the recording medium 5c, the use permission notification from the management center 1 may include the decryption key, and the purchased image may be decrypted using the decryption key received by the control unit 21 and received using this. .

The image processing device 3 may have a printing function. In this case, the printer driver includes FIG.
As shown in (4), when printing is instructed, it is determined whether or not an image protected by copyright or the like is included (step S41). If it is determined that the image is included, the printing method is determined. Is displayed (step S4).
2) It is desirable to arrange a step of prohibiting printing by ending the processing. This step can prevent unauthorized printing.

It is also possible to specify a printing mode and store it in the image synthesizing table 63. For example, it is instructed to print the image generated by the image processing device 3 on each of the seal pieces of the seal sheet in which the seal pieces are arranged in a matrix, or to enlarge and print the image on one seal sheet. It is possible to make them possible and to include those designations in the image composition table 63.

Further, the image printing device 2 and the image processing device 3 can be realized by using an ordinary computer system. For example, a copyrighted work licensing system that executes the above-described processing is installed in a game computer by installing the program from a medium (a ROM cartridge, a CD-ROM, or the like) storing the program for performing the above-described operation. can do.

The medium for supplying the program to the computer may be a communication medium (a medium that temporarily and fluidly stores the program, such as a communication line, a communication network, or a communication system). For example, the program may be posted on a bulletin board (BBS) of a communication network and distributed via the network. Then, by starting this program and executing it in the same manner as other application programs under the control of the OS, the above-described processing can be executed.

Further, the purchase image data 61 is stored in the recording medium 5a.
a, a program for performing the above processing together with
When the image processing program 52 is stored and the recording medium 5a is mounted on the recording medium driver 34, it may be detected by a sensor or the like, the control unit 31 may be interrupted, and the image processing operation may be automatically performed.

The purchase image data 61a may be encrypted in advance by a predetermined method. In this case, the recording medium driver 34, for example, as shown in FIG.
And the second slot, the decoding logic circuit 341
And an interface circuit 342. As shown, the first and second slots are connected to an interface circuit 342, and the decoding logic circuit 34
1. The interface circuit 342 and the control unit 31 are connected to each other.

The recording medium 5a is mounted in the first slot. The recording medium 5a mounted in the first slot is
The encrypted purchase image data 61a and the image processing program 52 are stored. In the second slot, a recording medium 5b, which is a passing medium, is mounted.

The decryption logic circuit 341 includes a circuit for generating an encryption key and a system key, which are used to decrypt the encrypted purchase image data 61a, and a purchase image data using the encryption key and the system key. 61a
And a circuit for decoding.

The interface circuit 342 includes the control unit 3
According to the instruction 1, the data is written to the recording medium 5b.

As shown in FIG. 12, the purchase image data 61a stored in the recording medium 5a has been previously double-encrypted with an encryption key and a system key. That is, the purchase image data 61a that has not been encrypted is first encrypted using an encryption key unique to each image. The purchase image data 61a encrypted with the encryption key is added with a header including information such as the data name and image format of the purchase image data 61a, and further encrypted using a predetermined system key. Have been.

The attachment of the recording medium 5a to the recording medium driver 34 shown in FIG. 11 is detected by a sensor or the like.
When the control unit 31 is interrupted, the control unit 31 executes the processing of the image processing program 52.

The control section 31 (image processing program 52) executes the processing shown in FIG. 13 in response to a command from the user instructing the image synthesis processing, and starts the processing of selecting an image to be used for synthesis. I do. First, the control unit 31 reads out the encrypted purchase image data 61a stored in the recording medium 5a and transfers it to the decryption logic circuit 341 (step S51).

The decoding logic circuit 341 includes the control unit 31
Decrypts the purchased purchase image data 61a transferred from the control unit 31 using the system key and sends it back to the control unit 31 (step S52). Purchased image data 61 returned
“a” is a state in which the encryption with the encryption key is still performed except for the header part.

The control unit 31 includes a decoding logic circuit 341
The header of the purchase image data 61a returned from is read, and a list of purchase image data 61a stored in the recording medium 5a is displayed on the display device 35 (step S5).
3).

The user selects an arbitrary image from the displayed bromide list (step S54). The image selected in step S54 is the same as the image selected in step S12.
As with the processing of, a plurality may be used.

Next, the control section 31 transfers the purchase image data 61a representing the selected bromide and decrypted by the system key to the decryption logic circuit 341 (step S55).

The decryption logic circuit 341 determines in step S
Purchase image data 61a transferred from the control unit 31 in 55
Is decrypted using the encryption key and sent back to the control unit 31 (step S56). The control unit 31 stores the purchase image data 61a returned in step S56 in the storage unit 33 (step S57).

Next, the control section 31 causes the display device 35 to display the user image desired to be used for the composition, the user selects the user image (steps S58 and S59), and processes, edits, and composes the user image and the purchase image. Yes (step S60,
S61). The display and selection of the user image may be substantially the same as the above-described steps S13 and S14, and the processing, editing, and combining of the image may be performed in the above-described step S15.
And the substantially same method as S16.

After the user arbitrarily processes and corrects the image on the screen using the purchased image, the user instructs registration of the created image in the recording medium 5b in order to print the created image (step S62). In response to this instruction, the control unit 31
Opens a dialog box on the display device 35 and inputs the ID, name, instruction of whether or not to print, the number of prints, etc. of the created image (step S63).

By this operation, the control section 31 generates the image synthesis table 63 based on the input data and the data registered in the storage section 33 (step S6).
4). Then, the generated image synthesis table 63 is sent to the interface circuit 342, and the image synthesis table 63
Is written in the recording medium 5b (step S
65). The interface circuit 342 follows the instruction,
The image composition table 63 is stored in the recording medium 5b.

Thereafter, the control section 31 deletes the decrypted purchased image data 61a stored in the storage section 33 (step S66), and ends the image synthesizing process.

Note that, in the image synthesizing table 63, instead of the image ID of the purchase image data 61a, the purchase image data 61b substantially the same as the selected purchase image data 61a is stored.
May be recorded as link information indicating a logical position in which is stored. For example, purchase image data 61b
Is stored in a storage device accessible via a network such as the Internet, the purchase image data 6
The link information 1b is the URL of the purchase image data 61b.
(Uniform Resource Locator).

The image synthesizing table 63 does not need to be a separate file from the user image data 62. For example, the contents of the image synthesizing table 63 may be described in the header of the user image data 62. .

Further, the decryption logic circuit 341 may generate a plurality of system keys, whereby the decryption logic circuit 341 generates a purchase image encrypted using any of the plurality of system keys. The data 61a can also be decrypted.

The encryption key and the system key are recorded in, for example, a ROM connected to the decryption logic circuit 341 instead of being generated by the decryption logic circuit 341. May be read to decrypt the purchase image data 61a.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0124]

As described above, according to the present invention, use of an image protected by copyright and portrait right on display is permitted, and printing is permitted on condition that payment is paid. The protection and use of the rights of these images can be achieved in harmony.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a content protection system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a logical configuration of the content protection system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image combining method and mode data.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image combining method.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data structure of an image synthesis table.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the image printing apparatus and the management center.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a unit price table.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a format of electronic money.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of prohibiting printing.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a physical configuration of a recording medium driver.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a data structure of encrypted purchase image data.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an image combining process.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 management center 11 computer 12 network access device 2 image printing device 21 control unit 22 network access device 23 storage unit 24 printing device 25 recording medium driver 26 display unit 3 image processing device 31 control unit 32 input unit 33 storage unit 34 recording medium driver 341 Decoding logic circuit 342 Interface circuit 35 Display device 5a, 5c Recording medium on which purchased image data is recorded 5b Recording medium on which user image data is recorded

Claims (35)

[Claims] 1. A print target data including a content to be protected is generated by a processing apparatus whose printing is prohibited, the generated print target data is stored in a recording medium, and a predetermined price is paid at a predetermined store. Prints the print target data stored in the recording medium and notifies a predetermined center of contents to be protected included in the print target data, and the center charges for printing of the contents according to the notification. And remitting at least a part of the amount obtained by the charging to the right holder of the content, whereby the printing of the protected content is charged and the usage right is paid to the right holder of the content. Content protection method. 2. The content to be protected includes an image protected by a portrait right or a copyright, and the print target data includes an image generated by processing and / or editing the protected image. The notification to the center includes information specifying the protected image and the number of prints, the center charges for the usage fee from the notified image and the number of prints and aggregates the usage fee for each right holder, 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the remittance is transmitted to the right holder based on the total value.
Content protection method described in 1. 3. The protected image provided in the processing device is encrypted, and the processing device decrypts the protected image, and processes and / or edits the decrypted image. The content protection method according to claim 2, wherein the print target data is generated. 4. The processing device and the store have substantially the same content, and the processing device includes content specifying information for specifying the content on the recording medium and processing indicating processing and / or editing mode. By storing information, the store reads the information specifying the content and the processing information from the recording medium, reproduces the print target data based on the read data, and prints the reproduced data. The content protection method according to claim 2, wherein the content itself is not stored in the recording medium. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the center notifies the store of a print permission, and the store prints the print target data only when the store receives a print permission notification. The content protection method according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. The content protection method according to claim 1, wherein the center is operated by using at least a part of the revenue from the charging. 7. Output target data generating means for generating output target data including protected content requiring payment for output, and storing the generated output target data in a recording medium, wherein the recording medium is set; Reading the output target data from the recording medium, notifying the protected content included in the output target data, and outputting the output target data, and responding to the notification from the content output unit, A content protection system comprising: charging means for charging for printing of content. 8. The content protection system according to claim 7, wherein said output target data generation means comprises a processing device capable of displaying said protected content but not printing. 9. The output target data generating means includes: a content storing means for storing a plurality of protected contents; a selecting means for selecting an arbitrary one of the protected contents stored in the content storing means; And means for processing and / or editing the content selected by the means.
Or the content protection system according to 8. 10. The protected content stored in the content storage unit is encrypted, and the output target data generation unit includes a decryption unit for decrypting each of the protected content. The content protection system according to claim 9. 11. Each of the protected contents stored in the content storage means has been encrypted using an encryption key associated with each of the protected contents, and the decryption means has a function of storing the content. 11. The content protection system according to claim 10, further comprising: means for decrypting each of the protected contents using the encryption key associated with each of the protected contents stored in the means. 12. Each of the protected contents stored in the content storage means is encrypted using the encryption key and further encrypted with a predetermined system key. After decrypting each of the protected contents stored in the content storage unit using the system key, further comprising a decryption unit using the encryption key associated with each of the protected contents. The content protection system according to claim 11, wherein: 13. The content protection system according to claim 11, wherein said content storage means and said decryption means are detachably attached to each other. 14. The output target data generating unit includes: a non-billing target content storage unit that stores contents not to be charged, and a unit that combines the protected content and the non-billing target content. The content protection system according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein: 15. The output target data generating means stores, in the recording medium, specific information for specifying the content and mode information for specifying a mode of processing and / or editing of the content, The content protection system according to any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the content itself is not stored in a recording medium. 16. The content output means regenerates and outputs the output target data based on the specific information and the aspect information stored in the recording medium. A content protection system according to item 1. 17. The output target data generating means stores, in the recording medium, specific information for specifying the protected content and mode information for specifying a mode of processing and / or editing of the protected content. , The recording medium includes:
The protected content itself is not stored, the output unit is configured to store substantially the same protected content as the protected content stored by the output target data generating unit, and stored in the storage medium from the storage unit. 17. The content protection system according to claim 16, wherein the protected content is read based on the specified information, and the read protected content is processed and / or edited based on the aspect information. 18. The method according to claim 18, wherein the specific information is stored in the storage unit.
Address information for specifying a logical position where the protected content is stored, wherein the output means is stored in a logical position indicated by the address information included in the specific information, in the storage means The content protection system according to claim 17, wherein the protected content that is being read is read, and the read protected content is processed and / or edited based on the aspect information. 19. A recording medium storing substantially the same protected content is removably mounted on each of the output target data generating means and the output means. 19. The content protection system according to 18. 20. The content protection system according to claim 7, wherein said content output means includes means for printing said output target data. 21. The output target data generating means includes means for storing the number of prints of the output target data in the recording medium, and the output means outputs the output target data by the number of prints stored in the recording medium. The content protection system according to claim 20, wherein printing is performed. 22. An identification code is assigned to said output means, and means is provided for notifying said accounting means of an identification code corresponding to said output means, said accounting means having said notified identification code. 22. The content protection system according to claim 7, wherein the content protection system is charged. 23. The billing means is connected to a computer system of a financial institution via communication, and includes means for withdrawing a value from an account previously associated with the notified identification code. Item 23. The content protection system according to item 22. 24. The content protection system according to claim 7, wherein said output means includes means for transmitting electronic money corresponding to a charge to said charge means. 25. The charging means receives the electronic money from the output means, and transmits an output permission notice to the output means when receiving an amount of electronic money corresponding to the charging, wherein the output means outputs the output permission notice. The content protection system according to claim 24, wherein the output target data is output in response to the notification. 26. The charging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said charging means includes: a totaling means for totalizing a charging amount for each right holder; and a means for paying money to said right holder according to the totalization of said totaling means. The content protection system according to any one of claims 25. 27. The output target data generating means stores, in the recording medium, specific information for specifying the protected content and mode information for specifying a mode of processing and / or editing of the protected content. , The recording medium includes:
The protected content itself is not stored. The output unit stores substantially the same protected content as the protected content stored by the output target data generating unit in an encrypted state. And informing the output unit of a decryption key, the output unit reads the protected content based on the specific information stored in the recording medium using the decryption key, decrypts the protected content with the decryption key, and decrypts the protected content. The content protection system according to any one of claims 7 to 25, wherein the converted protected content is processed and / or edited based on the aspect information. 28. Medium mounting means for mounting a first recording medium storing content protected by a predetermined right, mounting a second recording medium storing the content, and mounting a third recording medium. A first selecting means for selecting an arbitrary first content from the contents stored in the first recording medium; and an arbitrary second content from a content stored in the second recording medium. Second selecting means for selecting content, synthesizing means for synthesizing the first content selected by the first selecting means and the second content selected by the second selecting means, Display means for displaying the data synthesized by the synthesizing means; print instructing means for instructing printing of the image synthesized by the synthesizing means; and an instruction indicating the first content in response to the instruction by the print instructing means. Emotion Recording means for storing, in the third recording medium, the second content, and data indicating a mode of combining the first content and the second content. When storing data indicating the content of the synthesized content on the third recording medium for printing by an institution, the first content itself protected by the predetermined right is stored on the third recording medium. Content processing system characterized by not performing. 29. The content according to claim 28, wherein said medium mounting means comprises means for removably mounting at least one of said first, second and third recording media. Processing system. 30. A content processing system, comprising: means for detecting a print instruction; means for detecting whether an image to be printed includes a content recorded on the first recording medium; 30. The content processing system according to claim 28, further comprising means for prohibiting printing when the content is processed. 31. The content stored in the first recording medium is encrypted, and at least one of the first selecting means and the synthesizing means transmits the content stored in the first recording medium. 31. The content processing system according to claim 28, further comprising a decoding unit for decoding. 32. A first selecting means for selecting a first content from contents protected by a predetermined right to a computer, and a second selecting means for selecting a second content from arbitrary contents. Synthesizing means for synthesizing the first content selected by the first selecting means and the second content selected by the second selecting means; and displaying the data synthesized by the synthesizing means. Display means; print instructing means for instructing printing of the image synthesized by the synthesizing means; instruction information indicating first content in response to an instruction by the print instructing means; second content; Recording means for storing data indicating the mode of synthesis of the first content and the second content in a recording medium for external printing, and a program for causing the program to function as Computer readable recording medium. 33. The computer is protected by predetermined rights,
First selecting means for selecting a first content from among the encrypted contents; second selecting means for selecting a second content from an arbitrary content; and selecting with the first selecting means Synthesizing means for synthesizing the obtained first content and the second content selected by the second selecting means, display means for displaying the data synthesized by the synthesizing means, and synthesizing by the synthesizing means. Print instruction means for instructing printing of the image, and instruction information indicating first content in response to an instruction from the print instruction means, second content, the first content and the second content, and And a recording unit for storing the data indicating the mode of combination in a recording medium for external printing, and causing at least one of the first selection unit and the combination unit to operate as the first unit. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing the computer to function as a decryption unit for decrypting the content. 34. Specific data indicating a first content selected from contents protected by a predetermined right to a computer, an arbitrary second content, the first content and the second content. Reading means for reading form data indicating a mode of synthesis from a recording medium, and means for notifying the use of the image to an external organization based on the read by the read means and receiving permission for use from the external device. Means for reading the first content from a content file in response to receiving the use permission, synthesizing the first content and the second content according to the aspect data, and printing the same. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the program. 35. A means for receiving a request for use of content from outside and an ID for specifying a biller, a means for specifying a usage fee based on the content, and charging the user having the ID, and the content Counting means for counting the usage fee for each right holder, and payment means for paying money to the right holder based on the counting by the counting means, and charging for the use of the content protected by the right. A management system characterized by paying the royalty to the right holder.